Two-Foot Tall Filipino Named World’s Shortest Man By Guinness [VIDEO]

For the first time in his life, Junrey Balawing is standing head and shoulders over everyone else.

Balawing can indeed look down on everyone else now that he has been named the world's shortest man by Guinness World Records. The Filipino man received the honor in a ceremony Sunday, which just so happened to be the same day he turned 18.

Balawing measures 23-and-a-half inches tall. He stripped the title from Nepal's Khagendra Thapa Magar, who towers over him at 26.4 inches.

Balawing got a cake to celebrate the achievement, but he had to huff and puff several times before he could blow out the candles. His mother was pleased her – ahem - little boy achieved the honor, noting, "Although he's short, he takes that in stride. He has this cheeky smile."

Balawing, who could not walk until he was five, has not grown since he was two months old, although there's no specific reason. All three of his siblings are normal size.

An official with Guinness says Balawing doesn't get any financial reward for his achievement, although the spokesman did say he hopes money will come pouring in, especially to treat any medical issues.